The last time these sides met was in
the play-offs at the end of last season. Blackpool came out on top then
but since failing to reach the Barclays Premier League, they and
Birmingham have found their progress checked by inconsistency.

Blackpool look to have the most
realistic ambitions of being involved in the battle for promotion this
time around and gave the impression they are better equipped to push for
the play-offs than their visitors last night. But whether they can hold
on to Ince is another matter.

He is wanted by Liverpool, who are looking to sign him for £5million.

Ince opened the scoring after 17 minutes, hooking his effort past Jack Butland from 20 yards.

Busy and direct, Ince was involved in all Blackpool's best moments.

But Appleton said: 'I was
disappointed with him, actually. I see what he does in training and I
want him in the game for 90 minutes.'